A Campbell River hockey player’s lifelong dream came true on Friday when the Calgary Flames drafted him 155th overall in this year’s NHL draft.
Parker Bell, who spent the last three years with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, got the news in his hometown while watching the draft with his friends and family.
An unforgettable moment for @parkerbellll and his family. ❤️#CofRed 𝙭 @NHLFlames pic.twitter.com/7ZsQlDbhpd
— Tri-City Americans (@TCAmericans) July 8, 2022
“I was just trying to stay patient with it, I didn’t know what was going to happen. Obviously, I’m happy about where I went,” said Bell in an interview with CHEK News. “It’s great people that I met so far, great organization. I’m just excited to get going.”
Although he’d spoken to members of the organization prior to getting drafted, Bell said he had no idea Calgary was going to pick him up.
With the 155th overall pick in the 2022 #NHLDraft, the #Flames select Parker Bell! pic.twitter.com/9oxnbdzW0c
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 8, 2022
In his first two years with the Tri-City Americans he only scored six points in 61 games.
However, in his third year, Bell had a breakout year. Scoring 49 points in 64 games, and leading his team in assists with 31. He said a combination of his hard work during the offseason and being given more opportunities on the ice is what him flourish.
“I got some more opportunity this year and confidence came with that, and I feel like I ran with that as the season went on,” said Bell. “I worked on my skating lots in the offseason and I feel like it all just came together nicely for me in that third year.”
Bell joins the likes of Brett Connolly and Len Lunde, as one of six players from Campbell River to make it into the NHL.
.@parkerbellll, checking in from Campbell River! pic.twitter.com/e359QlUZC6
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 8, 2022
Mohammed Hussain
